Fisherman’s Fortune: The $736,700 Tuna
By: 'It would break your arm."
In February, a lobster measuring 40 inches in length was caught in a shrimp net off the coast of Maine. More impressive than its size, however, was the fact that the oversized crustacean weighed in at an awe-inspiring 27 pounds.
"All the weight is in the claws," said Elaine Jones, education director for Maine's Department of Marine Resources, of the lobster that was dubbed “Rocky” after its capture. "It would break your arm."
Despite his impressive size, “Rocky” wouldn’t have commanded an impressive price this past summer at restaurants. Lobster prices plummeted in May due to unusually warm weather that caused the crustaceans to appear in fishermen’s traps in much greater numbers than usual. With supply far outweighing demand, prices dropped to 20-year lows of as little as $4 a pound, and “Rocky” could have fed a family of 27 for just $108.
Fortunately, his immense proportions saved his life. Maine law stipulates that any lobster measuring more than five inches from its eyes to the start of its tail must be released, and “Rocky” far exceeds those proportions. He was released into the Atlantic Ocean on February 23.